Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when substances touching the skin cause edema or an allergic reaction.

Ear edema models in mice are sensitive and reliable tests for anti-inflammatory activity of topically applied materials. Plant extracts, compounds, oils, and ointments with potential anti-inflammatory activity can be rapidly assessed in these non-invasive tests.

Efficacy is quickly determined through the basic readout of ear weight due to edema compared to vehicle control. The models also lend themselves to further analysis by tissue cytokine measurements, MPO assay, and histopathology once basic anti-inflammatory activity is indicated.